NEW DELHI: The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) on Thursday denied reports claiming that it had directed edits to the blockbuster Hindi film Dhurandhar, asserting that no instructions were issued by the government to mute words or revise dialogues.Responding to reports that the Ranveer Singh–starrer’s theatrical cut was altered following ministry intervention, the I&B ministry said: “No directions have been issued by the Ministry in this matter.”
Clarifying the certification process, the ministry said the changes under scrutiny were initiated by the filmmakers themselves. “The changes in the revised version of the film were proposed by the applicants/producers themselves and are being examined by the CBFC under the routine certification process prescribed in the Cinematograph Act and Rules,” it said.The ministry further explained that any revisions permitted were strictly in line with established norms. “The revisions were permitted in accordance with CBFC Guidelines, which require that visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented. The process was carried out as per Rule 31 of the amended Cinematograph Act,” the statement added.Media reports had earlier suggested that the word “Baloch” was muted in a revised theatrical version of Dhurandhar, with claims that theaters were asked to replace the film’s digital print following ministry directives. The ministry’s clarification, however, underscores that the examination of the revised version is part of the Central Board of Film Certification’s routine statutory process and not the result of any government order.
